At the Galvin Middle School, students in grades seven and eight are placed in math courses based on several determining factors (identified on the math page of this website). Each course is designed to challenge students and maximize the opportunity for success. When a teacher recommendation differs from the course that the student/parent feels is more appropriate, clear communication between student, parent, and teacher is essential for arriving at a solution which is best for the student. In order to facilitate understanding when this difference occurs, the parent/guardian is urged to speak with the recommending classroom teacher. If the parent/guardian is not in agreement with the teacher's recommendation, then this form must be completed by the parent/guardian. If you are requesting that your student be placed in a course that is more demanding than the course recommended by the current teacher, please consider the following:
GMS students may be placed in a higher level course than the one in which they are currently recommended following thoughtful consideration by the teacher, school counselor, Department Coordinator and parent/guardian of the student’s grades, skills, and effort. The pace of instruction, however, cannot be lowered to accommodate students who are enrolled at an inappropriate level.
A student who does poorly in a more advanced class sometimes generates difficulties in other areas as well.
To keep pace with the class, the student may require more individual help than the teacher can reasonably be expected to provide. The demands of an advanced curriculum do not allow teachers to accommodate the pace of a student who is misplaced. The teacher cannot provide individual tutoring. In any event, we will do all that we can reasonably do as educators to assure that your son/daughter is successful.
If you are interested in engaging in the Placement Review Process for your child after recommendations have been made, please fill out the linked Google Form. Thank you.